Choosing University Subjects: Personal Interest vs Useful Fields

Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like. Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Annotated response

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Some would argue that all students in universities have to study the subject they like, while others think that they have to only study something useful for their future, for example, those related to science and technology sectors. Although learning about the latter subjects is crucial to secure a good job and salary, I believe that enrollment in whatever subject they favor leads to students being successful in their fields. Studying science and technology during third-level education makes students able to easily find a job that pays high wages. That is to say, working in the majority of modern workplaces requires up-to-date technological information aiming to improve the quality of work and to compete with others, and, in turn, those employees will earn good remuneration. For instance, many IT graduates from the University of Toronto were able to have high positions and good wages in many renowned business companies. However, I think that the passion for what students study is more important than how much their earnings are in the future. It is very important for university students to study the subjects they like because this is the reason behind a successful career. That is because the love for this particular subject allows them to go beyond their limits, be creative, and be eager to improve, and, thus, they might be promoted. For instance, many well-known musicians decided to study music because they were passionate about it and this positive spirit helps them climb their professional ladder. Therefore, I support this school of thought because studying a favorite subject is more important. To conclude, despite the fact that a course in science and technology can provide with a good future career and enough income, in my view, studying whatever they prefer is better because this leads to success in their field.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.0

The response fully addresses the discussion task, presenting a clear opinion in favour of studying preferred subjects while covering both views with relevant examples. The strongest aspect is its coherent organisation and clear progression across paragraphs. The main limitation is language that is accurate and readable but somewhat formulaic, with occasional awkward collocations and repetitive phrasing rather than precise, flexible expression.

IELTS criteria

How each score was decided

Task Response

7.5

Both views are discussed with a consistent, clearly stated opinion, developed ideas, and relevant examples, though support is somewhat general rather than fully extended.

Coherence and Cohesion

7.0

Paragraphing is logical and progression is clear with a range of cohesive devices, but some linking is mechanical and reference within sentences occasionally repetitive.

Lexical Resource

7.0

Vocabulary is generally adequate for the topic with some precise items like remuneration and enrollment, though collocation is occasionally unnatural and phrasing repetitive.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

7.0

The essay uses concessive clauses, relative clauses and other complex structures with generally good control. Some constructions, including 'makes students able to easily find a job' and 'how much their earnings are', are awkward or wordy. Meaning remains clear throughout.